About Us
Collaborative Communities is a community interest company based in
NW London
Collaborative Communities is a community interest company based in NW London, we specialise in supporting and working with carers and organisations who work with people with hoarding disorder and hoarding-related behaviour.
Through our services and the support of our experienced staff and volunteers who are expert by experience, our aims are to offer alternative pathways and solutions to individuals, families, carers, and organisations, which will deliver a more realistic timeframe, action, and support plan, that meets the persons psychological, therapeutic, and practical needs.
Carlton Thomas
My name is Carlton Thomas and I have been working in the housing and social care sector supporting vulnerable adults and families for over 25 years. I have worked supporting children leaving care, homelessness and rough sleepers, people in supported housing, and people with complex needs.
I am also a teacher and trainer, which I have been doing for over 15 years on a part-time basis, this has allowed me to meet some great people and organisations up and down the UK.
I have experience of working with difference and diversity, hoarding disorder, OCD, personality disorder, anxiety, depression, bereavement, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, domestic violence, and drugs and alcohol issues. I am a Registered member of the (APDO) Association for Professional Declutterers and Organisers and abide by their Code of Ethics.
My aims are to raise awareness and insight around the management of people with complex needs through training, advocacy and developing peer support group programmes with councils and housing associations who support people with hoarding disorder and hoarding-related behaviour.
To find out more information about the different types of mental health awareness workskshops we offer and prices, please click the training page link: Training Page.
Marilyn George
My name is Marilyn George and I have been providing individual counselling to young people and adults since 2004. I have had my own private practice, Amitie Therapy and Supervision since 2008.
Counselling is a regular confidential space for people to talk about their troubles and feelings. A therapist aims to help you gain a perspective about whatever is troubling you. Therapists are trained to look beyond presenting problems to possible underlying issues.
The aim of the therapeutic process is to help you to understand and accept yourself, to change your behaviour to that which is more productive for you and to help you move towards becoming the kind of person you want to be.
I have experience of working with difference and diversity, anxiety, depression, bereavement, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, domestic violence, and relationship issues. I am a Registered member of the (BACP) British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their Code of Ethics.
To find out more information about the different types of mental health awareness workskshops we offer and prices, please click the training page link: Training Page.
Our Mission & Vision
Through our mental health awareness training and peer support group programme we want to raise the level of understanding, consciousness and insight with carers and organisations, on the signs and symptoms, barriers and pathways, legislation and powers, and effective ways of managing complex cases within the community.
To ensure the person is always at the centre of the decision-making process.
To address any unconscious bias with carers and organisations around this disorder.
To encourage co-design, co-production, in joint-partnership and collaborative working.
What We Do
Collaborative Communities CIC provides information, advice and support, advocacy, peer support, mental health awareness training, guest speakers, organising and decluttering services in the community for carers and organisations supporting people with hoarding disorder and hoarding-related behaviour.
Our Approach
Working and supporting people with hoarding disorder and hoarding-related behaviour in the community where there is a lack of resources, funding, and awareness, is particularly challenging.
Our approach is to ensure carers and organisation are not just addressing and looking at the environment of the behaviour but more importantly looking at addressing the signs and symptoms around the persons thoughts and beliefs.
Our Core Values
The health and wellbeing of a person with mental health is at the heart of our work, as all people have the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect, have their privacy protected, and have their documentation treated in a confidential manner.